Children's National Hospital/George Washington University Program

The Children’s National Hospital/George Washington University Program in Pediatric Surgery offers comprehensive training through the Neonatal-Perinatal Fellowship, which is designed to cultivate adept physician-scientists with a strong clinical foundation and extensive research opportunities. The program spans three years and integrates clinical training, educational activities, and scholarly projects that align with the fellows' interests.

Clinical Training Overview

The training program is structured to provide an immersive clinical experience split between two major institutions: the Children’s National Hospital and the George Washington University Hospital. The clinical rotation schedule is essential, with the following outlined:3

• Clinical Rotations:
• Clinical Research: 16 Weeks
• Orientation: 4 Weeks
• Children’s National Hospital NICU: 16 Weeks
• George Washington University NICU: 4 Weeks
• Consults/Clinic: 8 Weeks
• Vacation: 4 Weeks

During the rotations, fellows engage in active overnight call and enhance their leadership skills by overseeing residents and participating in multidisciplinary teams. The program emphasizes management strategies pertinent to high-acuity cases and diverse neonatal conditions that graduates will face in clinical practice.

Educational Opportunities

The educational curriculum is robust, designed to foster continuous learning and skill enhancement. Weekly educational activities are protected to prioritize fellow-focused didactics, simulations, regional neonatology talks, and collaborative presentations:4

• Monthly Cardiology Conference
• Quarterly Ethics Rounds
• Weekly High-risk Perinatal Conference
• Bi-Monthly Journal Club

Fellows participate in the Fellow Education Series that covers the fundamental principles of neonatal medicine in alignment with American Board of Pediatrics specifications, ensuring comprehensive knowledge acquisition over the three years of training.

Research Component

Research is a fundamental aspect of the Neonatal-Perinatal Fellowship. Trainees are encouraged to engage in clinical, translational, and basic science research projects from their first year. The program implements a mentorship model, pairing fellows with faculty who share their research interests and objectives, thus encouraging scholarly activities and fostering early engagement in innovative research environments:5

Regular meetings with mentors help fellows refine their research skills, guided by a Scholarship Oversight Committee that monitors their progress and provides constructive feedback to ensure their success.

Benefits and Support

Fellows at Children’s National Hospital receive a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance:2

The program offers competitive salaries that increase with each progressing year of fellowship, alongside a dedicated educational stipend for professional development and resources.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support, and typically sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas for international medical graduates seeking to join the fellowship. This facilitates diverse participation and enhances the fellowship's inclusive environment.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Neonatal-Perinatal Fellowship program is considered competitive, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds including DOs and IMGs. Special application requirements may include a limit on the number of failed USMLE STEP exams, and there may be a preference for candidates who are recent graduates from residency programs.

This fellowship stands out due to its strong emphasis on clinical exposure, exceptional educational resources, and a commitment to research, making it an excellent choice for those aiming to specialize in pediatric surgery.

The program nurtures its fellows' development through a supportive and collaborative environment that is critical in producing future leaders in the field of pediatric medicine.